Why Study Agriculture?
Agriculture is the backbone of the Philippine economy, employing millions of Filipinos and ensuring food security for the nation. With the government’s push for agricultural modernization and food sufficiency, there’s increasing demand for skilled agricultural professionals.
Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (BSA) and related courses prepare students for careers in farming, agribusiness, food production, research, and agricultural extension. The field offers stable employment opportunities with government agencies, private agribusinesses, and international organizations.
This guide covers all scholarship opportunities for agriculture students in 2026.
Top Agriculture Scholarships 2026
1. CHED Merit Scholarship for Agriculture
Agriculture is a CHED priority course with full scholarship eligibility.
| Scholarship Type | GWA | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Full Merit | 96%+ | Full tuition + ₱25,000/sem |
| Half Merit | 93-95% | Partial tuition + ₱15,000/sem |
2. Department of Agriculture (DA) Scholarship
The DA offers scholarships for agriculture students.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Coverage | Full tuition + stipend |
| Return Service | DA or LGU agriculture office |
| Courses | Agriculture, Fisheries, Veterinary |
3. Landbank Gawad Patnubay Scholarship
Landbank’s flagship scholarship for agriculture students.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Coverage | Full tuition + ₱5,000/month |
| Focus | Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry |
| Partner Schools | State agricultural universities |
Eligibility:
- Filipino citizen
- GWA 85%+
- Family income below ₱300,000
- Enrolled in agriculture-related course
4. Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) Scholarship
For students from coconut-farming families.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Coverage | Tuition + stipend |
| Focus | Agriculture, related sciences |
| Eligibility | Children of coconut farmers |
5. Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) Scholarship
For students from sugar-farming communities.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Coverage | Tuition assistance |
| Focus | Agriculture, Sugar Technology |
| Eligibility | Children of sugar workers |
6. University-Based Agriculture Scholarships
University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB)
| Scholarship | Benefits |
|---|---|
| STFAP | Free to reduced tuition |
| DOST-ASTHRDP | Full support for agriculture |
| College Scholarships | Various grants |
Central Luzon State University (CLSU)
| Scholarship | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Free Tuition | RA 10931 |
| Academic Excellence | Additional support |
| DOST Scholarship | For qualified students |
Visayas State University (VSU)
| Scholarship | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Free Tuition | SUC benefit |
| SEARCA Scholarship | Regional support |
Benguet State University (BSU)
| Scholarship | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Free Tuition | SUC benefit |
| Highland Agriculture | Special programs |
Pampanga State Agricultural University (PSAU)
| Scholarship | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Free Tuition | SUC benefit |
| Academic Scholarship | Merit-based |
7. DOST-ASTHRDP Scholarship
Accelerated Science and Technology Human Resource Development Program for agriculture research.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Level | Graduate studies (MS, PhD) |
| Coverage | Full tuition + stipend + research |
| Fields | Agricultural sciences |
8. SEARCA Scholarship
Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Level | Graduate (MS, PhD) |
| Coverage | Full funding |
| Location | UPLB and regional universities |
9. Private Foundation Scholarships
San Miguel Foundation
| Focus | Agriculture, Food Science |
|---|---|
| Benefits | Tuition + internship |
Aboitiz Foundation
| Focus | Agribusiness |
|---|---|
| Benefits | Full scholarship |
Jollibee Foundation (Farmer Entrepreneurship Program)
| Focus | Agriculture-related |
|---|---|
| Benefits | Training + support |
10. International Agriculture Scholarships
| Scholarship | Country | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Australia Awards | Australia | Graduate |
| Japan MEXT | Japan | All levels |
| Taiwan ICDF | Taiwan | Graduate |
| SEARCA Regional | Southeast Asia | Graduate |
| Fulbright | USA | Graduate |
Eligible Agriculture Courses
- Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (BSA)
- BS Agricultural Engineering
- BS Agribusiness Management
- BS Agricultural Economics
- BS Animal Science
- BS Fisheries
- BS Forestry
- BS Food Technology
- BS Horticulture
- BS Crop Science
- BS Soil Science
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Scholarship Benefits Comparison
| Scholarship | Tuition | Stipend | Field Work | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHED Full | 100% | ₱25k/sem | No | No |
| DA Scholarship | 100% | Yes | Yes | DA (return service) |
| Landbank Gawad | 100% | ₱5k/month | Some | No |
| DOST-ASTHRDP | 100% | Yes | Research | Service |
| SUC Free Tuition | 100% | Limited | Varies | No |
Career Opportunities
| Career | Entry Salary | Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Extension Worker | ₱18,000-30,000 | Moderate |
| Farm Manager | ₱25,000-50,000 | High |
| Agribusiness Manager | ₱30,000-60,000 | High |
| Agricultural Researcher | ₱25,000-45,000 | Moderate |
| Veterinarian | ₱30,000-60,000 | High |
| Food Technologist | ₱25,000-50,000 | High |
| Agricultural Engineer | ₱25,000-50,000 | High |
| DA/LGU Agriculturist | ₱25,000-40,000 | Stable |
Top Agriculture Schools
| School | Location | Specialty |
|---|---|---|
| UP Los Baños | Laguna | Research, comprehensive |
| Central Luzon State University | Nueva Ecija | Rice, livestock |
| Visayas State University | Leyte | Tropical agriculture |
| Benguet State University | Benguet | Highland crops |
| Pampanga State Agricultural | Pampanga | Crops, agribusiness |
| Cavite State University | Cavite | Various agriculture |
| Central Mindanao University | Bukidnon | Mindanao agriculture |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is agriculture a CHED priority course?
Yes! Agriculture is consistently a CHED priority course with full scholarship eligibility.
Are there scholarships for children of farmers?
Yes, PCA (coconut), SRA (sugar), and Landbank offer scholarships targeting farming families.
Is there a return service requirement?
DA scholarships typically require service in government agriculture offices. CHED and university scholarships generally don’t.
Can I pursue graduate studies in agriculture?
Yes, DOST-ASTHRDP and SEARCA offer full scholarships for MS and PhD in agriculture.
What’s the job market like?
Strong demand in government agencies (DA, LGU), agribusiness companies, and research institutions.
Tips for Agriculture Scholarship Applicants
- Maintain good grades – CHED requires 93%+ for merit scholarships
- Highlight farming background – Many scholarships prioritize farming families
- Consider SUCs – Free tuition at state agricultural universities
- Apply to Landbank early – Popular scholarship with limited slots
- Prepare for fieldwork – Agriculture involves practical training
- Develop research interest – Opens graduate scholarship opportunities
- Network with DA – Learn about local scholarship programs
- Consider regional universities – Often have less competition
- Get TESDA certified – Agricultural NC certifications add value
- Plan for graduate studies – DOST-ASTHRDP offers excellent support
Contact Information
Department of Agriculture DA Compound, Elliptical Road, Diliman, QC Phone: (02) 8928-8741 Website: www.da.gov.ph
Landbank Phone: (02) 8405-7000 Website: www.landbank.com
CHED Website: www.ched.gov.ph
Related Scholarships
Conclusion
Agriculture scholarships in the Philippines 2026 offer excellent opportunities for students passionate about food security and rural development. From CHED and DA programs to Landbank Gawad Patnubay and university scholarships, multiple pathways exist to fund your agriculture education.
With the government’s focus on agricultural modernization, agriculture graduates are increasingly in demand. Start your scholarship application today and contribute to the Philippines’ food security.
Why Agriculture Scholarships Are Often Underused
Despite steady government interest in supporting the agriculture sector, agriculture-related scholarships (agriculture, agribusiness, fisheries, forestry, veterinary medicine) often have far fewer applicants relative to slots compared to courses like nursing or engineering, since fewer students consider these fields first. This can mean a genuinely easier path to a scholarship for students open to agriculture-related courses.
Government Priority for Agriculture Courses
Because food security and agricultural modernization are recurring national priorities, CHED and DOST-SEI scholarship programs frequently list agriculture, fisheries, forestry, and veterinary medicine among their priority courses, sometimes with additional slots or incentives compared to non-priority fields. Check the current priority course list for CHED and DOST-SEI scholarships directly, since it can be updated yearly.
Return-Service and Bonded Scholarships in Agriculture
Some agriculture scholarships, particularly those tied to state universities and colleges (SUCs) with strong agriculture programs, come with a return-service requirement to work in agricultural extension, research, or a related government role after graduation. This is worth factoring into your decision if you are weighing multiple scholarship offers.